Source Size Research Articles

Isolation of Salmonella species of public health concern from commonly fed dried meat dog treats.

Dried non-heat-treated meat treats, such as ears, skin and tails, are popular supplementary dog foods. Previous studies have demonstrated Salmonella spp. contamination on treats, particularly in pig ears and chicken products. This small, exploratory, cross-sectional study investigated Salmonella spp. presence in dried treats available in the UK. A selection of dried treats from local pet shops and online retailers underwent bacterial culture for Salmonella spp. and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, with Salmonella serotype determined by whole genome sequencing. Eighty-four samples were tested, with 16% being Salmonella spp. positive. Five Salmonella serotypes were identified, each associated with specific treat types. An antimicrobial-resistant phenotype was identified in 39% of isolates. All serotypes identified are known to cause human infection. This study was limited by a small sample size and limited number of retail sources. Salmonella spp. of public health concern were present in some dried dog treats in this study. Dog owners, pet food retailers and veterinary professionals should be aware of the potential zoonotic disease risk associated with these treats, and appropriate hygiene measures, including thorough hand washing, should be utilised if they are fed.

Influence of ionic cerium and cerium oxide nanoparticles on Zea mays seedlings grown with and without cadmium

Cerium (Ce4+) and cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) have diversified reported effects on plants. Once dispersed in the environment their fate is not well understood, especially in co-existence with other pollutants like cadmium (Cd). The effect of co-application of Ce and Cd are reported in various studies, but the role of Ce source (ionic or bulk) and nanoparticle size is still unknown in cereal plants like maize (Zea mays). To better understand the synergistic effects of Ce and Cd, 500 mg kg−1 Ce coming from ionic (Ce4+ as CeSO4) and CeO2 nano sources (10 nm, 50 nm, and 100 nm) alone and in combination with 0.5 mg Cd kg−1 sand were applied to maize seedlings. Growth, physiology, root structure, anatomy, and ionic homeostasis in maize were measured. The results revealed that Ce4+ resulted in overall decrease in seedling growth, biomass and resulted in higher heavy metal (in control sets) and Cd (in Cd spiked sets) uptake in maize seedlings' root and shoot. The effects of CeO2-NPs were found to be dependent on particle size; in fact, under Cd-0 (non-Cd spiked sets) CeO2-100 nm showed beneficial effects compared to the control. While under co-application with Cd, CeO2-50 nm showed net beneficial effects on maize seedling growth parameters. The Ce alone, and in combination with Cd, altered the root suberin barrier formation. Both ionic and nano Ce sources alone and in co-existence with Cd behaved differently for tissue elemental concentrations (Ce, Cd, micronutrients like B, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Fe and elements Co, Si) suggesting a strong influence of Cd–Ce coexistence on the element's uptake and translocation in maize.

Energy dependence of light hypernuclei production in heavy-ion collisions from a coalescence and statistical-thermal model perspective

A comparison of light hypernuclei production, from Ultra-relativistic Quantum Molecular Dynamics (UrQMD)$+\text{coalescence}$ and the thermal model, in heavy ion collisions over a wide range of beam energies and system sizes is presented. We find that both approaches provide generally similar results, with differences in specific details. Especially the ratios of hypertriton to $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$ are affected by both the source radius $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Delta}}r$ of the coalescence procedure as well as canonical effects. On the other hand, the double ratio ${S}_{3}$ is almost independent of canonical effects, which is in contrast to coalescence. Thus, both the beam energy dependence and centrality dependence of ${S}_{3}$ can be used to constrain the hypertriton source radius. To do so the currently available data are not yet sufficient. Elliptic flow is shown to be unaffected by the source size of the nuclei and an almost perfect mass scaling of the elliptic flow is observed. Our predictions further suggest that the existence of the H-dibaryon ($\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}$) seems ruled out by ALICE data.

Simulations of momentum correlation functions of light (anti)nuclei in relativistic heavy-ion collisions at sNN=39 GeV

Momentum correlation functions of light (anti)nuclei formed by the coalescence mechanism of (anti)nucleons are calculated for several central heavy-ion collision systems, namely ${}_{5}^{10}\text{B}+{}_{5}^{10}\text{B}$, ${}_{8}^{16}\text{O}+{}_{8}^{16}\text{O}$, ${}_{20}^{40}\text{Ca}+{}_{20}^{40}\text{Ca}$, as well as ${}_{79}^{197}\text{Au}+{}_{79}^{197}\text{Au}$ in different centralities at center-of-mass energy $\sqrt{{s}_{NN}}$ = 39 GeV within the framework of a multiphase transport (AMPT) model complemented by the Lednick\'y and Lyuboshitz analytical method. Momentum correlation functions for identical or nonidentical light (anti)nuclei are constructed and analyzed for the above collision systems. The Au+Au results demonstrate that emission of light (anti)nuclei occurs from a source with smaller space extent in more peripheral collisions. The effect of system size on the momentum correlation functions of identical or nonidentical light (anti)nuclei is also explored by several collision system in central collisions. The results indicate that the emission source size of light (anti)nuclei pairs deduced from their momentum correlation functions and system size is self-consistent. Momentum correlation functions of nonidentical light nuclei pairs gated on velocity are applied to infer the average emission sequence of them. The results illustrate that protons are emitted on average on a timescale similar to neutrons but earlier than deuterons or tritons in the small relative momentum region. In addition, a larger interval of the average emission order among them is exhibited for smaller collision systems or at more peripheral collisions.

The coordinated radio and infrared survey for high-mass star formation – V. The CORNISH-South survey and catalogue

ABSTRACT We present the first high spatial resolution radio continuum survey of the southern Galactic plane. The CORNISH project has mapped the region defined by 295° < l < 350°; |b| < 1° at 5.5 GHz, with a resolution of 2.5 arcsec (FWHM). As with the CORNISH-North survey, this is designed to primarily provide matching radio data to the Spitzer GLIMPSE survey region. The CORNISH-South survey achieved a root mean square noise level of ∼0.11 mJy beam−1, using the 6A configuration of the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). In this paper, we discuss the observations, data processing and measurements of the source properties. Above a 7σ detection limit, 4701 sources were detected, and their ensemble properties show similar distributions with their northern counterparts. The catalogue is highly reliable and is complete to 90 per cent at a flux density level of 1.1 mJy. We developed a new way of measuring the integrated flux densities and angular sizes of non-Gaussian sources. The catalogue primarily provides positions, flux density measurements, and angular sizes. All sources with IR counterparts at 8 μm have been visually classified, utilizing additional imaging data from optical, near-IR, mid-IR, far-IR, and sub-millimetre galactic plane surveys. This has resulted in the detection of 524 H ii regions of which 255 are ultra-compact H ii regions, 287 planetary nebulae, 79 radio stars, and 6 massive young stellar objects. The rest of the sources are likely to be extragalactic. These data are particularly important in the characterization and population studies of compact ionized sources such as UCHII regions and PNe towards the Galactic mid-plane.

Experimental and theoretical study of combustion and aerothermodynamic effects on the flame structure from wind-driven rectangular fires

This work provides a comprehensive model for global morphology parameters of flame structure of turbulent diffusion flames in wind-driven rectangular burner fires. Five flame morphology parameters were configured by using the image from CCD cameras and CFD calculations, demonstrating for the first time the image corresponds to a mixture fraction. The unique physics-based similarity correlations for the combustion were proposed to predict the morphology parameters of flame structures in terms of a characteristic length scale. The reliability of the current physical model and new correlations was validated by comparing it with other literature data. One important result of this paper is that the source size does not affect the flame morphology if a Froude number based on the source size is greater than a fraction of the ratio of the flame length at no wind to the source size. Subsequently, based on top hat similarity of the flow profiles, a phenomenological integral combustion model including momentum and continuity equations was also established and the results were compared well with the experimental data and the new correlations. Finally, CFD numerical modeling and large-scale experimental data in the literature were employed to verify the applicability of the present model for large-scale pool fire combustion.

A Comprehensive Review on Techno-Economic Analysis and Optimal Sizing of Hybrid Renewable Energy Sources with Energy Storage Systems

Renewable energy solutions are appropriate for on-grid and off-grid applications, acting as a supporter for the utility network or rural locations without the need to develop or extend costly and difficult grid infrastructure. As a result, hybrid renewable energy sources have become a popular option for grid-connected or standalone systems. This paper examines hybrid renewable energy power production systems with a focus on energy sustainability, reliability due to irregularities, techno-economic feasibility, and being environmentally friendly. In attaining a reliable, clean, and cost-effective system, sizing optimal hybrid renewable energy sources (HRES) is a crucial challenge. The presenters went further to outline the best sizing approach that can be used in HRES, taking into consideration the key components, parameters, methods, and data. Moreover, the goal functions, constraints from design, system components, optimization software tools, and meta-heuristic algorithm methodologies were highlighted for the available studies in this timely synopsis of the state of the art. Additionally, current issues resulting from scaling HRES were also identified and discussed. The latest trends and advances in planning problems were thoroughly addressed. Finally, this paper provides suggestions for further research into the appropriate component sizing in HRES.

Optimal Integration of Photovoltaic Systems in Distribution Networks from a Technical, Financial, and Environmental Perspective

Due to the increasing demand for electricity around the world, different technologies have been developed to ensure the sustainability of each and every process involved in its production, transmission, and consumption. In addition to ensuring energy sustainability, these technologies seek to improve some of the characteristics of power systems and, in doing so, make them efficient from a financial, technical, and environmental perspective. In particular, solar photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the power generation technologies that has had the most influence and development in recent years due to its easy implementation and low maintenance costs. Additionally, since PV systems can be located close to the load, power losses during distribution and transmission can be significantly reduced. However, in order to maximize the financial, technical, and environmental variables involved in the operation of an electrical system, a PV power generation project must guarantee the proper location and sizing of the generation sources. In the specialized literature, different studies have employed mathematical methods to determine the optimal location and size of generation sources. These methods model the operation of electrical systems and provide potential analysis scenarios following the deployment of solar PV units. The majority of such studies, however, do not assess the quality and repeatability of the solutions in short processing times. In light of this, the purpose of this study is to review the literature and contributions made in the field.

Interferometric imaging of the type IIIb and U radio bursts observed with LOFAR on 22 August 2017

Context.The Sun is the source of different types of radio bursts that are associated with solar flares, for example. Among the most frequently observed phenomena are type III solar bursts. Their radio images at low frequencies (below 100 MHz) are relatively poorly studied due to the limitations of legacy radio telescopes.Aims.We study the general characteristics of types IIIb and U with stria structure solar radio bursts in the frequency range of 20–80 MHz, in particular the source size and evolution in different altitudes, as well as the velocity and energy of electron beams responsible for their generation.Methods.In this work types IIIb and U with stria structure radio bursts are analyzed using data from the LOFAR telescope including dynamic spectra and imaging observations, as well as data taken in the X-ray range (GOES and RHESSI satellites) and in the extreme ultraviolet (SDO satellite).Results.In this study we determined the source size limited by the actual shape of the contour at particular frequencies of type IIIb and U solar bursts in a relatively wide frequency band from 20 to 80 MHz. Two of the bursts seem to appear at roughly the same place in the studied active region and their source sizes are similar. It is different in the case of another burst, which seems to be related to another part of the magnetic field structure in this active region. The velocities of the electron beams responsible for the generation of the three bursts studied here were also found to be different.

Optimization of the Placement and Size of Photovoltaic Source

This paper presents a new optimization study of the placement and size of a photovoltaic source (PVS) in a distribution grid, based on annual records of meteorological parameters (irradiance, temperature). Based on the recorded data, the production output as well as the daily average power (24-h vector) of the PVS is extracted over the year. When a power vector is available, it can be used as an input when searching for the optimal size of the PVS. This allows to take into account the constraint of the variation of the power generated by this source considering the variation of the power consumed by the electrical loads during the whole day. A multi-objective fitness function has been considered. The latter minimizes the active losses and maximizes the voltage stability index during the day, while considering the constraints of the system, that is, the security, technical, geographical, and meteorological constraints. This problem was solved using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II optimization technique under MATLAB 2021. It was applied to the distribution network of Ghardaïa of 59 nodes.

Determining the size of batteries and solar sources in a zero cost building using PSO algorithm

The production and consumption of non-renewable energy resources have disrupted the environment's biodiversity cycle. Global climate change, including worldwide warming, has made human life both now and in the future. The construction industry in the world has a significant share in the demand for energy consumption in these challenges. Therefore, the primary purpose of this paper is to implement standards to save and prevent energy loss to control and limit the demand for energy requested from the power network. Constructing a building with self-sufficient energy production that meets its energy needs by producing clean energy becomes more important. It also sells the excess energy to the grid, known as zero energy buildings. In the present paper, the issue is a constrained optimization problem that aims to minimize the total annual cost, including the initial investment cost for PV and batteries and their maintenance costs, as well as the cost of network exchanges. Among the limitations, the proposed model can mention the restrictions governing the battery, such as the limitations of the battery state of charge (SoC). The problem under optimization is a mixed integers nonlinear programming (MINLP) that will be solved by a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm considering the total cost minimization.

Microgrids Multiobjective Design Optimization for Critical Loads

Since microgrids with renewable generation and energy storage can achieve high reliability, they present an attractive solution for powering critical loads. Microgrids should be carefully planned and optimized to meet the power requirements of critical loads and justify their economic viability. Conventional microgrid design approaches consider a fixed power architecture, focusing mainly on improving the financial aspects of the design by sizing its energy sources. This paper introduces a new Vectorial Microgrid Optimization (VMO) design method for critical loads. The proposed VMO improves the microgrid design by 1) incorporating the selection of the microgrid power conversion architecture and the size of the energy sources into a unified design strategy, 2) implementing multi-objective optimization to find the desired balance between the microgrid power supply availability, net present cost, and power efficiency. Through the use of graph theory, the proposed VMO automates the architecture selection process. The benefits of the proposed VMO method are highlighted in a critical load case-study to find the optimal microgrid design. The obtained microgrid design is compared with the results of existing microgrid planning tools and the standard industry approach for powering critical loads.

Fringe visibility in X-ray interferometer using dual triangular phase gratings

In recent years, the X-ray interferometer using dual phase gratings has been extensively studied. The large periodic fringes produced by the X-ray interferometer using dual phase gratings can be directly detected by ordinary detectors. At the same time, the X-ray interferometer using dual phase gratings can reduce the radiation dose of the sample without using absorption gratings. Meanwhile, a high fringe visibility is always preferred to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio for X-ray grating interferometry. However, recent studies have reported that experimental fringe visibility in X-ray interferometer using dual rectangular phase gratings is relatively low. Therefore, it is necessary to further increase the fringe visibility in X-ray interferometry using dual phase gratings. This work focuses on the analysis of fringe visibility in X-ray interferometer using dual triangular phase gratings. Based on the fringe intensity distribution formula of X-ray dual phase grating interferometer, the fringe visibility of the dual triangular phase grating interferometer is investigated as a function of the grating spacing under monochromatic and polychromatic illumination, respectively. For comparison, the fringe visibility of the dual rectangular phase grating interferometer is also studied under the same condition. The results show that the maximum fringe visibility of the dual triangular phase grating interferometer increases with the phase shift increasing regardless of monochromatic or polychromatic illumination. Under monochromatic illumination, the maximum fringe visibility of dual 5π/2 triangular phase gratings is about 21% higher than that of dual rectangular phase gratings. Under polychromatic illumination, the fringe visibility of dual 5π/2 triangular phase gratings is at least 23% higher than that of dual rectangular phase gratings. Under polychromatic illumination, the greater the deviation of X-ray average energy from the grating design energy, the greater the decrease of maximum fringe visibility of the dual phase grating interferometer is. In addition, with the increase of the focal size of X-ray source, the maximum fringe visibility of the dual phase grating interferometer decreases, under polychromatic illumination. We hope that those results can be used as guidelines for designing and optimizing X-ray interferometer using dual triangular phase gratings.

Prerequisites for the formation of gold spreads on the Ukrainian Shield and on its southern framing

The presence of numerous native gold deposits of the Ukrainian Crystalline Shield (UCS), as well as the spread of placer gold manifestations, determines the high probability of the formation of precious metal placers with industrial parameters here. The main factors and geological conditions that contribute to the formation of gold placers are manifested in the UCS. An important reason for the failures of previous geological works is the outdated scientific and methodological platform, which involved the search for typical gold-bearing deposits with metal of gravity classes of size. The possibility of significant movement of placer gold in the clayey water flow and the formation of long-distance placers was not taken into account. The traditional slack method used in the study did not make it possible to determine the actual gold content when particles with a size smaller than 0.25 mm predominate in the sample, which is precisely the particle size of the primary sources of the UCS. The applied means of research could not be effective in the absence of the necessary analytical base for determining the gold content, modern methods of studying the geological structure and tectonics of the territories. The negative results did not provide any real grounds for further specialized large-scale research and prospecting for placer gold. Today, it is becoming obvious that placer gold of small and fine grades can easily move over considerable distances in the water flow and form accumulations not only in boulder-pebble material, but also in pelite sediments. As a result of repeated changes in the tectonic plan of block movements, gold-bearing accumulations could be eroded and redeposited in secondary reservoirs. In this aspect, neotectonic studies (using materials from space surveys) become the main predictive and prospecting method for identifying promising areas of placer gold concentration in the region. Field work should be carried out using drilling and modern methods of laboratory analysis of samples for gold. The results of many years of research give hope for the discovery of real placer gold deposits in the Northern Black Sea region in the near future.

The XY-Scanner for Absolute End-to-End Calibration of Fluorescence Detectors

The precise determination of the energy scale is a key part of experiments in astroparticle physics. At the Pierre Auger Observatory, the energy scale is set by the calorimetric measurement of extensive air showers with fluorescence detectors. Thus, the absolute end-to-end calibration of the fluorescence detectors is of utmost importance. In the past, this calibration was performed by illuminating the whole optical system of a fluorescence telescope with a large-scale extended uniform light source of the same diameter as the telescope aperture. However, handling difficulties, excessive manpower requirements, and degradation of such a source led to the need for a different approach for the absolute end-to-end calibration. The fundamental idea of the novel approach is to significantly reduce the geometrical size of the calibration light source, which is a near-UV LED source implemented in a portable integrating sphere with specifically designed interior. This light source is moved over the aperture by a rail mechanism with two independent linear stages named the XY-Scanner. Calibration data are evaluated from a series of light source positions instead of illuminating the entire aperture at once. The absolute photometric determination of the light source emission intensity is performed in a dedicated laboratory setup with a measurement uncertainty of 3.5 %. The XY-Scanner mechanics installed at the aperture gives also the opportunity to install other, devices for instance a narrow, collimated beam source to investigate local impurities of the telescopes. This contribution gives an overview of this novel XY-Scanner calibration method and presents preliminary results and discusses plans for the future.

Mechanism and kinetics of silicothermic reduction of MoS2 for preparing ultra-fine grain MoSi2 powder

In this work, ultra-fine grain MoSi 2 powders were prepared via silicothermic reduction of MoS 2 using CaO as a desulfurizer, and the mechanism and kinetics were studied in detail. The FE-SEM images demonstrated that the as-prepared MoSi 2 particles inherited the macro morphology and size of molybdenum sulfide and were almost not affected by the particle size of Si powder. Additionally, it was found that desulfurization reaction between CaO and gaseous SiS was a strong exothermic reaction, resulting in growth of MoSi 2 grains and difficult separation of the target product MoSi 2 from desulfurization product in the scale-up experiment. To solve this problem, graphite powder or carbon felt was introduced between the sample and CaO, and the residual S content of the prepared MoSi 2 powder was about 0.14% and 0.16%, respectively. This work provides new insights into the preparation of ultra-fine grain MoSi 2 powder by silicothermic reduction of MoS 2 -based molybdenum source. • Ultra-fine grain (about 300 nm) MoSi 2 powders were prepared via silicothermic reduction of MoS 2 . • Reaction mechanism and kinetics were studied in detail. • The as-prepared MoSi 2 inherits the macro morphology and particle size of molybdenum source.

Gender differences in happiness during COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Türkiye

Mental health is seen as the most basic condition for a good quality of life. Those with a high level of happiness are believed to be healthier and more successful in interpersonal relationships. This study aims to determine the factors associated with the happiness levels of women and men in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, the microdata set obtained from the Life Satisfaction Survey conducted by TURKSTAT in 2020 was utilized. Using generalized ordered logistic regression analysis, the factors associated with the happiness levels of men and women were determined. According to the study’s findings, factors such as age, marital status, level of education, source of happiness (individual), general satisfaction level, level of satisfaction with health, and level of hope for the future are related to the happiness levels of women and men. In the study, it was determined that the importance and effect of the variables vary according to the happiness levels of men and women. It was revealed that employment status and household income were solely associated with the probability of being very happy/happy among men. It was determined that the happiness source (what) and household size variables were only associated with the probability of women being very happy/happy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be advantageous to implement initiatives that increase the level of happiness for men and women, strengthen emotional support, and provide better health care.

High-resolution x-ray spectrometer for x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy.

Two extended x-ray absorption fine structure flat crystal x-ray spectrometers (EFX's) were designed and built for high-resolution x-ray spectroscopy over a large energy range with flexible, on-shot energy dispersion calibration capabilities. The EFX uses a flat silicon [111] crystal in the reflection geometry as the energy dispersive optic covering the energy range of 6.3-11.4keV and achieving a spectral resolution of 4.5eV with a source size of 50μm at 7.2keV. A shot-to-shot configurable calibration filter pack and Bayesian inference routine were used to constrain the energy dispersion relation to within ±3eV. The EFX was primarily designed for x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy and provides significant improvement to the Laboratory for Laser Energetics' OMEGA-60 XAFS experimental platform. The EFX is capable of performing extended XAFS measurements of multiple absorption edges simultaneously on metal alloys and x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy to measure the electron structure of compressed 3d transition metals.

Hydra II: Characterisation of Aegean, Caesar, ProFound, PyBDSF, and Selavy source finders

Abstract We present a comparison between the performance of a selection of source finders (SFs) using a new software tool called Hydra. The companion paper, Paper I, introduced the Hydra tool and demonstrated its performance using simulated data. Here we apply Hydra to assess the performance of different source finders by analysing real observational data taken from the Evolutionary Map of the Universe (EMU) Pilot Survey. EMU is a wide-field radio continuum survey whose primary goal is to make a deep ( $20\mu$ Jy/beam RMS noise), intermediate angular resolution ( $15^{\prime\prime}$ ), 1 GHz survey of the entire sky south of $+30^{\circ}$ declination, and expecting to detect and catalogue up to 40 million sources. With the main EMU survey it is highly desirable to understand the performance of radio image SF software and to identify an approach that optimises source detection capabilities. Hydra has been developed to refine this process, as well as to deliver a range of metrics and source finding data products from multiple SFs. We present the performance of the five SFs tested here in terms of their completeness and reliability statistics, their flux density and source size measurements, and an exploration of case studies to highlight finder-specific limitations.

Femtoscopy of Proton, Light Nuclei, and Strange Hadrons in Au\(+\)Au Collisions at STAR

In these proceedings, we present the measurements of proton, light nuclei, and strange particle with neutral kaons correlation functions in Au+Au collisions at the BES program and top RHIC energy. The experimental results will be compared with model calculations to extract the size of emitting source and the properties of final state interactions. The collision energy and centrality dependence of the source size will be studied. Further, the implications for the production mechanism of light nuclei will be discussed.